Walls and Fortifications of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar

People have fought over the occupation of Gibraltar for centuries. In the last two millennia the Moors, the Spanish and the British have all had a foothold on the Rock, lured by its strategic location at the entrance to (or exit from) the Mediterranean. Defending the peninsula was always a priority, so it is not surprising that it should be riddled with walls and other fortifications.

The fortifications of Gibraltar date from different periods - here the 12th century Moorish Castle and a 18th century British battery

The Moors held Gibraltar almost continuously from 711 AD until the Spanish conquered the Rock in 1492. Most of their effort went into protecting the northern part of the peninsula, the narrow strip of land between Gibraltar and Spain. To this end they constructed the Northern Walls and what is now known as the Moorish Castle. Built in the 12th century, the Moorish Castle was a massive fortress running down the side of the rock all the way to what is now Casemates Square.

The keep of the fortress (also known as the “Tower of Homage”) had a commanding view of the town below and of the northern border. Today you can visit and climb up to the top of the keep. You’ll get the same view as the Rock’s early defenders, and you can appreciate what a good vantage point this was. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).